CREATE WITH US
MAAC’S MISSION
Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC) will help facilitate and strengthen the connections, communication, and creativity of the diverse population of Melrose and the surrounding area. We will utilize local resources, materials, and talent to inspire art while inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to join in creating a more pleasing and inclusive atmosphere for our community.
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT MAAC
MAAC is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to promoting arts resources and enhancing the cultural life of the Melrose area. We believe art is essential to building a healthy and vibrant community, and we are committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy of art.
We offer a variety of art programs and services, including:
- Art classes and workshops for all ages
- Exhibits and performances by local and regional artists
- Support for arts resources and education
- Use of the arts to examine local history and culture
Founded in 2021, we are always looking for new ways to engage the community in the arts. We welcome you to get involved!
MAAC
HAPPENINGS
Proposed Melrose Area Mural
Bringing communities together through art
The Melrose Area Arts Council is planning to create a mural on the east wall of Midwest Automatic Products in Melrose, located across from Sauk River Park.
This project aims to create a reflective image of Melrose’s historical journey through the years. As we have gathered what is important through a community survey, we will determine themes we would like to see reflected in the mural, bringing communities together through art. We hope to represent the people, history, achievements, ethnicities, and life experiences of all ages.
MAAC is seeking a local artist to represent this mural. If you would like to apply, please see the link below. The deadline for submissions has been extended to November 30.
Creative Gatherings
Creative Gatherings are held during the winter months from 2-4 pm on the third Wednesday in October, November, January, February, and March at the Senior Activity Center in Melrose. All are welcome to attend and participate in learning from one another.
Gingerbread Architecture
Tap your inner architect at this delicious all-ages, family-friendly workshop. Learn the basics of architecture and structural design using everyone’s favorite building materials – gingerbread and frosting! Taught by Whitney Lougheed of JLG Architects, this hands-on interactive workshop shows you how to create your own architectural masterpiece using gingerbread from Cold Spring Bakery. It’s sure to be a tasty treat! Held in partnership with the Melrose Area Arts Council, stick around following the class to hear more about the Arts Council and its work in the Melrose area. Class size is limited, so register today!
To register, visit stearnshistorymuseum.org/events. Questions? Contact Ann Marie at [email protected] or call 320-253-8424.
Melrose Farmers Market Children’s Activities
The Melrose Area Arts Council and the 2025 Farmers Market had a fun-filled summer of children’s creative activities.
Children returned every week because they looked forward to a new and different art experience from week to week. It gave parents the opportunity to share a fun summer arts activity with their kids.
This summer’s activities were themed around recycled materials. It taught children how to recycle wasted materials in our environment into a new beautifully created piece of art. Children were encouraged to make their own recycled piece of art. Some of their art is on display at the City Center until the end of October.
Check out the Children’s Activities page to find out more information. If you would like us to be part of your next event, please fill out the New Event Request form.
BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
The Beautification Project was once again a well-received addition to downtown Melrose this summer. The flower containers that were placed along Main Street looked beautiful all summer and welcomed visitors. The containers by the Welcome to Melrose sign will remain with seasonal displays.
The flowers and containers were sourced from local vendors. A big thank you to the Lions, the Melrose Senior Group, and Stearns Electric for their generous support of this project. If you’d like to help keep this initiative alive, please click on the Donate link below.
MAAC website made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Central Minnesota Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
